City officials on hand to celebrate 350 jobs and new source for affordable food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:  Steven Restivo, Walmart, (479) 616-4493

CHICAGO, Jan. 25, 2012 – Chicago’s second Walmart supercenter opened today in the Chatham Market, bringing new jobs and more affordable grocery options to the south side and marking the end of an 8-year effort to bring economic development to the area.  The retailer now operates five locations across the city.

Click here to see photos of the Chatham store.

“This Wal-Mart is a win-win-win – a win for the local economy, a win for local job creation, and a win for the Chicagoans who now have access to a full selection of groceries and fresh food in Chatham,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I am committed to driving economic growth and opportunity in our neighborhoods, and will continue to seek opportunities for Chicagoans to find good jobs and advance their communities.”

At a grand opening event at 8331 South Stewart Avenue, Walmart executives were joined by Alderman Brookins and other elected officials and community stakeholders to celebrate the store’s 350 jobs and the community’s newest option for fresh food and other products local families need.

“This is a great day,” heralded Alderman Brookins.  “It was worth the fight.  Chicagoans who live on the South Side deserve to have the same economic opportunities Chicagoans on the North Side take for granted.  I believe that the Walmart Supercenter will enable the Chatham Market development to expand and grow, providing even more opportunities for the residents of my community to work and shop close to home.”

The 157,000 sq. ft. store features a full line of groceries as well as a bakery, a delicatessen, a frozen food section and meat, dairy and fresh produce sections.  General merchandise areas include pharmacy, apparel and accessories, sporting goods, electronics, home, lawn and garden, fine jewelry and health and beauty.

According to Chatham store manager Keith Richards, who started his Walmart career 11 years ago as an hourly associate and most recently managed the Country Club Hills store, an emphasis was placed on local hiring.  More than three-quarters of the store associates live on the south side working in roles like store management, pharmacy, human resources, customer service, cashiers and sales associates.

“All across the country, our customers are at the center of everything we do,” said Labeed Diab, Senior Vice President, Walmart U.S.  “Here in Chicago, we’re working hard to make a difference and remain committed to delivering fresh, healthy food choices to those who need them most.  As we open new stores in the city, we will continue to be an advocate for our customers by finding solutions that save them money on their groceries and other products their families need.”

Construction of the store was managed via a joint venture between Powers & Sons and UJAMAA Construction, both African-American general contractors.  According to Jimmy Akintonde, President UJAMAA Construction, Inc., about 300 construction jobs were created and the selection process was inclusive and local.

“Walmart continues to create opportunity for minorities within the construction industry,” said Mr. Akintonde. “Through a close working relationship with Walmart, Alderman Brookins and the community, we awarded 39 percent of all subcontracts on this project to M/WBE companies, many of whom were local contractors like ourselves with offices in close proximity to the site.”

In addition to the two locations in Chatham, the retailer operates stores in the West Loop, Wrigleyville and Austin neighborhoods of Chicago.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Contact: Walmart Media Relations/@WalmartLabs
Phone: 1-800-331-0085
media@walmartlabs.com

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Jan. 18, 2012 – Walmart (NYSE: WMT) today announced the launch of Get on the Shelf, the first contest of its kind from a major retailer. Beginning today, anyone can enter Get on the Shelf for the chance to get their product sold on Walmart.com and even in Walmart stores. Any product in any category currently covered by Walmart is eligible ranging from housewares and electronics to toys and apparel.

The nationwide contest is the latest announcement from @WalmartLabs and similar to the popular American Idol television show, contestants will create videos of their latest inventions and the public will vote online for the winners.

A two-round public voting process will determine the top three products to be sold on Walmart.com.* The Grand Prize winner’s product will be sold on Walmart.com and featured on the site’s home page, and also get valuable shelf space in select Walmart stores across the country.*

“Walmart has the best products at everyday low prices but we know there are some great undiscovered products that have not yet reached our shelves,” said Venky Harinarayan, senior vice president of Walmart Global e-commerce and co-head of @WalmartLabs “For a long time, the ability to get a product into a retail store was at the sole discretion of the store buyer. Today, we are removing these barriers by giving anyone a chance to launch their product at Walmart and reach millions of shoppers nationwide.”

The contest opened with a sneak preview a few weeks ago and already has over 40 entries including a new hot sauce, cube game, hair accessory, iPad pillow and paw puffs for dogs from individuals across the country.

Contestants can submit an entry video at http://GetOnTheShelf.com until February 22 when the submission round ends. Videos will be screened for appropriateness before posting them to the site. The first round of voting will take place March 7th through April 4th at which point the top 10 finalists will be announced. The second round of voting will take place April 11th – April 24, at which point the top three contestants and grand prize winner will be announced.

All voting will happen at http://getontheshelf.com. The contest is only open to participants in the United States. Walmart employees are not eligible for the contest. Products already carried by Walmart or Walmart.com are not eligible for entry.

For more information, rules and an introductory video about Get on the Shelf, visit http://getontheshelf.com.

*Winning submissions must comply with all contest guidelines to be sold and featured on Walmart.com or in Walmart stores. 

About @WalmartLabs 

@WalmartLabs is based in the heart of Silicon Valley. The business unit creates platforms, products and businesses around social and mobile commerce to support Walmart’s global strategy of seamlessly integrating the shopping experience between brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce. For more information, visit www.walmartlabs.com.

About Walmart Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,700 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

# # #

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 23, 2011 – On the 12th and last day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $200,000 to 10 nonprofits that are true heroes for their communities and have made selfless acts to help those in need. Over the last twelve consecutive days, Walmart awarded a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas.

“Every community needs a hero—someone who is willing to take extraordinary and selfless action to help those in need,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “We are honored to give these inspirational community heroes the recognition they deserve and do a small part to help them achieve their mission.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The 12th day of giving highlights organizations started by extraordinary heroes, young and old, who unselfishly opened their homes and dedicated great amounts of time to provide food, clothing, shelter and a supportive environment for those in their community who needed help. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart  

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 22, 2011 – On the 11th day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $120,000 to 12 nonprofits that are doing it all to support those in need. These 12 nonprofits help provide food, shelter, clothes, financial aid and a welcoming environment for those in surrounding communities. Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington D.C.

“It was clear from the nominations to our 12 Days of Giving campaign that there are organizations in communities around the country that truly do it all,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “From shelter and daycare to soup kitchens and healthcare, the organizations we’re supporting today are providing numerous services under one roof to assure no need goes unmet.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The 11th day of giving highlights organizations that are doing whatever it takes to support their communities by providing basic necessities, financial assistance and emotional support to those in need. Among those being helped are college students, addicts, children, mothers, the homeless and low income families. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 21, 2011 – On the 10th day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $170,000 to eight nonprofits with remarkable volunteers who have lent a helping hand to members of their community who need it most. Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.

“Our nation’s nonprofit organizations are fueled by countless volunteers who help make a difference in our communities by giving their time,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “The nonprofits receiving grants today were nominated for funding by their wonderful volunteers—we want to say thanks to all the volunteers who are giving their time this holiday to make the season brighter for so many families.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The 10th day of giving highlights organizations with volunteers who go above and beyond to assist children, families and other members of the community in difficult situations by providing clothing, school supplies, fresh groceries and nutritious meals, safe shelters, and even children’s Christmas gifts. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 20, 2011 – On the ninth day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $90,000 to nine nonprofits providing assistance to community members during times of hardship and adversity. Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Maine, North Carolina, New Mexico, Texas, Vermont and Washington.

“The nominations for the organizations we’re supporting today were particularly compelling because they were written by people who benefited from the services the nonprofit provides,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “These individuals might not have the financial resources of their own to support the nonprofit that helped them, but through this campaign, found a passionate way to give back.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The ninth day of giving highlights organizations helping community members get back on their feet after setbacks, tragedies or disasters by providing counseling, financial assistance, education, childcare, food, shelter, clothing and other necessities. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart  

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 19, 2011 – On the eighth day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $140,000 to nine nonprofits aiding veterans, active members of the military and their families. Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: California, Delaware, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and Washington.

“As we give back this holiday season, it is important to remember those who have sacrificed so much for us,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “We are proud to support organizations that are caring for our wounded warriors, our veterans who have returned home and the families that may be separated from their loved ones this holiday season.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The eighth day of giving highlights organizations that assist veterans, active members of the military and their families by providing financial services, emotional support, shelters, food, clothing and other necessities. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart  

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 18, 2011 – On the seventh day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $110,000 to 11 nonprofits that provide housing and shelter for those in need. As part of its twelve consecutive days of giving, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania.

“Being home for the holidays is an essential part of the season’s tradition for many of us,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “The nonprofits we are honoring today help those who may not have a permanent home to have a warm place to stay through the holidays.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The seventh day of giving highlights organizations providing affordable housing, safe shelters, meals, necessities and housing resources for homeless women, children and families. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart  

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact: Kelly Cheeseman, Walmart
1-800-331-0085

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 17, 2011 – On the sixth day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $90,000 to nine nonprofits that are aiding those in crisis situations of abuse, violence and neglect. Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Tennessee and Texas.

“In times of personal crisis, we all look for support to help us return to a healthy situation,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “The organizations we’re helping today provide not only material assistance, but also dignity to help women, men and children move toward brighter, happier futures.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The sixth day of giving highlights organizations that provide safety, protection and support to men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence, abuse, job loss and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Company funds organizations in Alabama, Connecticut, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 16, 2011 – On the fifth day of its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign, Walmart is awarding $130,000 to 13 nonprofits that are helping restore communities after natural disasters. Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Organizations being honored on the company’s Facebook page today are serving communities in: Alabama, Connecticut, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming.

“At Walmart, we have a longstanding commitment to helping communities in times of natural disaster. This year was particularly tough with several regions being impacted by disasters across the nation,” said Julie Gehrki, senior director at the Walmart Foundation. “We want to remember these communities during the holidays to help brighten the season for those who have been through so much this year.”

Walmart’s call for nominations for its “12 Days of Giving” Facebook campaign resulted in more than 5,400 nominations from Facebook users who shared photos and short descriptions of a nonprofit’s impact in its local community. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed submissions and selected nonprofits with a focus on organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

The fifth day of giving highlights organizations that help restore communities after floods, wild fires, storms, tornadoes and other disasters by providing food, shelter, clean clothes and necessities, as well as emotional and financial support. Organizations being spotlighted today include:

Including this campaign, the Walmart Foundation is providing more than $19 million in grants this holiday season. Click here for a complete list of recipient organizations.

# # #

About Philanthropy at Walmart Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.